When the kidneys are working well, the person can follow a healthy diet with a variety of foods to keep the kidneys in good condition. Healthy kidneys keep electrolytes and minerals at optimal levels. Damaged kidneys cannot regulate the levels of potassium and phosphorous in the blood. For people with kidney disease, eating the wrong foods can cause kidney disease complications like abnormal heart rhythms or a heart attack. Following a kidney health diet involves eating healthy foods and avoiding certain foods that can cause problems for people with kidney disease. Those with chronic kidney disease are often told to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Some people credit a healthy diet of whole foods as playing a large role in their recovery from kidney disease. Not all foods that are considered healthy are good for kidney disease patients. People who have kidney disease should limit foods that have high levels of potassium since the damaged kidneys cannot regulate potassium levels effectively. Foods that are high in potassium include bananas, carrots, prunes, oranges, pomegranate juice, kiwi, milk, raisins, and baked beans. A renal dietician can provide a list of foods that chronic kidney disease patients should avoid or limit in their diets. Cranberries are one of the kidney health foods that have low levels of potassium and phosphorous. Cranberries help fight inflammation and infection. Pure cranberry juice has properties that fight bacterial infections. Many doctors recommend pure cranberry juice or dried cranberries for people who are at risk of infection. Cranberry juice cocktail is not nearly as effective in fighting bacterial infections as pure cranberry juice. Another kidney health food that includes high levels of antioxidants and may help fight inflammation is blueberries. One half cup serving of blueberries can be included in a kidney health diet since they have helpful nutrients while being relatively low in potassium and phosphorous. Olive oil is the recommended cooking oil for a kidney disease diet. The olive oil contains healthy compounds that protect the body against oxidation. The olive oil is considered a kidney health food due to its ability to protect against inflammation. Low-fat proteins are suggested as kidney health foods. Egg whites are small servings of fish or poultry are considered some of the best choices. Some resources recommend beans for low-fat protein, but many beans are high in potassium and should be avoided. Before using beans as a protein source, consult the renal dietician or doctor. With smart choices of kidney health foods, people with kidney disease or at risk for kidney disease can help protect their kidneys' functioning. The diet is an extremely important component of the treatment for kidney disease. People with kidney disease should be able to ask their doctor or renal nutritionist any questions regarding healthy foods for kidneys.

This site offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.Of course, you should consult your physician or other health care professional before changing your diet or health routine determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start a new program if your physician or health care provider advises against it.

Developments in medical research may impact the health, fitness and nutritional advice that appears here. No assurance can be given that the advice contained in this site will always include the most recent findings or developments with respect to the particular material.